If you’re heading out on the open road for your vacation, remember these tips to stay safe out there:
- Put down the phone.
- Check the weather before you leave so you aren’t checking it while you drive.
- If you aren’t familiar with the route, program it into a mapping device or app so that you don’t need to look for the map while you’re driving. Use a device or app that will adjust to changing traffic conditions and wrong turns so you aren’t trying to account for those while driving.
- Make phone calls or send text messages during breaks in the trip, not while driving.
- Don’t drive distracted, even if it isn’t by a phone.
- Plan out what toys and snacks your passengers will need before you start driving, and get your own necessities organized. Is your wallet easily accessible? How about tissues, sunglasses, water bottle, etc.?
- Does everyone have appropriate clothing, shoes, umbrellas, etc.? Let your passengers be as independent as possible so that you can pay attention to the road and not to the requests for more cereal or another Disney movie.
- If the weather turns severe, pull off until you feel safe getting back on the road, or slow down and stay in the right-hand lane with your emergency lights on to alert other drivers to your need for caution.
- If you see standing water, turn around. Don’t try to drive through it, or you could get stranded or seriously damage your vehicle.
- Check your oil and the air in your tires before you go.
- Make sure any attachments/hitches/racks are fastened securely. You don’t want to lose your bike or your trailer before you even get to your destination!
- If you’ll be away for more than a day or two, stop your newspaper delivery and have a neighbor pick up your mail/packages; you don’t want your absence to be conspicuous enough for a potential thief to notice.
Before you go, check in with your insurance agent, who can provide you with additional steps to take to protect your home, property, vehicle, and family as you embark on your next adventure.